Switch and operating mechanism therefor



lJuly 22, 1930. A. G. srElNMAYER 1,770,953

SWITCH AND OPERATING MECHNISM THEREFOR Filed March l, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fm E July 22, 1930. A. G. sTElNMAYr-:R 1,770,953

SWITCH AND OPERATING MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed March' 1, 1929 2 sheets-sheet 2 .il Il vlllllllllllvllllllllllll11117il lllllllh 1 llllll 11111111 in/nv jrg/#miete atto: Mq

Patented July p 22, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ALWIN G. STEINM/AYEB, 0F MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN', ASSIGNOE, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, T0 LINE MATERIAL COMPANY, 0F SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, A

CORPORATION OF DELAWARE SWITCH AND OPERATING MECHANISM THEREFOB Application led March 1, 1928. Serial No. 343,830.

rarily holding the switches in open or closed position. The switches were frequently found hard to operate, as considerable eifort was required to throw them from one position to the other. Further, some of the parts were delicate or easily broken, and careful machine work and adjustment were needed. In addition to this, if any parts of the switch became broken, there was no assurance that the switch would open all lines when the operating handle or member was thrown to open position with consequent danger to` the linemen or other workmen.

Objects of this invention are to provide an electric switch which vovercomes the above noted defects, which insures the opening of all lines when the switch is thrown to open position even though some parts of the switch may have become broken, which has no cams, springs, catches, or other devices which are likely to get out of order, or which require accurate machining and adjustment, but which is so made that relatively simple, easily operable mechanism is employed.

Further objects are to provide an electric switch which -inherently tends. to remain in open position or in closed position until posi-k tively moved from such position, and in which the operating handle d'oes not engage stops to limit its motion, but in which the mechanism of the switch inherently tends to hold the handle in its predetermined positions.

Further objects are to provide an oil switch which has an upper compartment housing operating mechanism, and a lower compartment carrying oil and housing stationary and movable contacts, the compartments being separated by a partition and insulating rods extending through the partition andjoining 'contacts Further objects are to provide an electric switch in which a crosshead is utilized to carry either a single or a plurality of insulating rods which, in turn, carr movable contacts, in which the rods are in ependently ad` justable and may be locked in their adjusted position, in which mechanism is provided for operating the crosshead and is controlled by a handle located externally of an enclosing casing for the operating mechanism'and the contacts, and in which the crosshead is loosely guided so that a limited movement is allowed the cross head and rods to permit automatic adjustment of the parts.

Further objects are to provide a 4simple type of crosshead and guiding means therefor, and .to provide a switch so constructed that a large number of its parts may be constructed from standard forms of stock material. v

Further objects are to provide a switch which is easy to'make and assemble, and in which there are no delicate or easily broken parts, but which, instead, is strong and rugged in construction and reliable in operation.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which z Figure 1 is a transverse sectional view through one form of the switch.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the switch shown in lFigure 1. i

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view from the outer side of a double switch.

Figure 4 is a detail view showing the operating mechanism for a double switch with the parts in switch-open position.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing the mechanism in the position it occupies when one switch group is closed.

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing the mechanism in the position it occupies when the other switch group is closed.

Figure 7 is a sectional view through the upper portion of the double switch.

Referring to the first 'form of the invention as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it will be seen that the switch comprises a body portion 1, which may be provided with lugs 2 adapted for attachment to a suitable support.

A cover 3 and a lower housing or oil coinpartment 4 are attached to the body portion 1 by means of bolts 5 and 6, the bolts 6 being preferably hinged tothe body portion and received in slotted ears carried by the oil compartment. Gaskets are preferably located between the body portion and the cover and the oil compartment. The oil compartment is filled with oil to the desired level, and may be divided into separatev chambers or compartments for the different switch units. The oilcompartment and its division walls may be lined with any suitable insulating material in accordance with the usual practice.

The switch is provided with a partition or late 7 which carries the two-part insulating otally carried by a cradle 14 provided with a supporting pin 15 extending through the ears of the cradle and below the contact bar, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The contact bars are preferably provided with auxiliary Contact strips 16 provided with upturned ends adapted to contact with the stationary contacts and being the last members to leave the stationary contacts when the switch `is opened. Spaced screws 17 secure the auxiliary contact strips to the contact bars and project above the contact bars. These screws prevent longitudinal shifting of the contact bars, astheyare located on opposite sides of the cradle 14, but permit a slight movement, rocking of the contact bars upon the pins 15,

.so that such bars may freely adjust themselves to the stationary contacts.

The switch contacts and associated parts are described and claimed in my copending 'application for switches filed on even date herewith, S. N. 343,629.

The cradles 14 are carried by insulating rods 18, whose lower ends are received wit-hin and pinned to the cradles. These rods pass through relatively large holes in the partition 7, and their upper ends are received within and pinned to threaded sleeves 19. The rods may be of tough'wood or other insulating material, and if formed of wood, they soon become oil soaked and afford substantially perfect insulation.

The threaded sleeves 19 are screwed into a crosshead 20, which may be a straight steel bar, and are locked by means of lock nuts 21.. The sleeves may be individually adjusted by rotating the rods 18 and thus moving the sleeves u or down with reference to the crosshea 20. In this way the exact degree of pressure desired between the movable and stationary contacts may be secured. 1

The switch may be opened or closed by means of an external operatin handle 22 secured to a rock shaft 23 journa led in bearings 24 carried by the partition 7. The shaft 23 rigidly carries short rock arms or levers 25, each of which is connected to the crosshead by means of a pair of links 26, see Figure 2. Each air of links carries a stop or pin 27, which 1s engaged b a projection or lip extending from the en of the corresponding lever 25 when such lever is rocked slightly past dead center, as shown 1n full lines in Figure 1. The links 26 and levers 25 thus constitute to gle joints, and thus the contacts of the switc are forced and held together by a heavy pressure when the switch is-closed without, however, requiring excessive eiort on the part of the operator. Also, it is to be noted that the spring pressure exerted by the laminated stationary contacts cooperates with the to gle joint mechanism to hold the switch loc ed in closed position until positively thrown lto open position by the operating handle 22.

The crosshead 20 is loosely guided by ins 30 extending upwardly from and carrie by the partition 7. The rods 18 may, therefore, swing to a limited extent and allow a slight automatic adjustment of the movable contact bars with reference to the stationary contacts. In addition, the contact bars may individually adjust themselves as described.

It is to be noted that the cables or wires are received between the nuts 10 as shown in Figure 1, and suchV cables may pass through insulating bushings 29 extending through the bottom wall of the body portion where such wall overhangs or projects beyond the oil compartment orlower housing, as shown in Figure 1.

In the modified form of the invention shown in Figures 3 to 7 the same inventive idea is followed. However, the switch illustrated in these figures is a double switch, each group of switch elements being either single, or multiple as shown in Figures l and An external operating handle 31 is rigidly attached to a short stub shaft orrock shaft; 32 which projects through the body portion orl main casing 1, and is provided with a rigidly attached forked lever`33. A pair of slotted links 34 and 35 are loosely received between the arms of the lever 33, and a pin 36 carried by the lever passes through the slots in the links 34 and 35. The outer ends of the links 34 and 35 are curved, and are pivotcd to short levers 37 and 38 carried by longitudinally llu extending, parallel rock shafts 39 and 40, respectively, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6. The rock shafts 39 and 40 are journalled in spaced bearings carried by the partition 41..

Each rock shaft is provided with a Series of rock arms or levers 42. The levers for the two shafts are identical, except that their projections or lips 43 are located on opposite sides that is to say, each lip is located upon the outer side of its corresponding lever. A pair of independent crossheads 44 and 45 are provided and are loosely guided by pins 46 as previously described. Each crosshead is connected to its coresponding set of levers by means of pairs of links 47. Each pair of links 47 is provided with a stop or pin 48, which cooperates with the lip 43 of the corresponding lever 4,2.

p The crossheads 44'and 45 carry insulating rods 49 and 50 which, in turn, carry the movable contact bars, as previously described.

In each form of the invention the switch is temporarily locked in open position, for the levers and links constitute atoggle joint mech anism which is rocked past dead center when the switch is closed. In the form shown in Figures 1 and 2 the levers 25 and links 26 are shown in full lines in the position they occupy when the switch is closed. 4The lips 28 engage the pins 27 and thus provide stops which limit the motion of the parts. In the form shown in Figures 3 to 7 the lips 43 and the pins 48 of one or the other group of links and levers cooperate in a similar manner. The laminated stationary contacts, in each form of the invention, are slightly lexed when the switch is closed, and produc a downward pressure which is transmitted to the crosshead and holds the toggle joint mechanism in its locked position. The switch must, therefore, be positively operated to open it.

In the form shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the switch is moved to open position, the weight of the parts holds the switch in open position as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1.

In the form shown in Figures 3 to 7, it will be seen that both switches areopen when the handle occupies its central position as shown in Figure 3, the corresponding position of the links and levers being shown in Figure 4.

lAssume that the handle is rocked to the left as viewed in Figure 3. The lever 33 is similarly rockedto the left as shown in Figure 5, and the right hand switch, or group of y switch elements, is closed, while the left hand switch, or group of switch elements, remains open as the position of its parts is unchanged, as may be seen from a comparison of Figures 4 and 5. The pin 36. of the lever 33 merely slides in the slot of the link 34. However, the pin 36 engages the outer end of the slot in the link and, consequently, the lever 38 is rocked upwardly as shown in Figure 5, and

the right hand switch is closed. If/the handle 31 is rocked-back to neutral, the pin 36 engages the inner end of the slot in the lever 35 and opens the right hand switch, the mechanism then occupying the position shown in Figure 4. If the handle is rocked to the right, the lever 33 is similar,l rocked to the right, as shown in Figure 6. 'IYhe pin 36 merely rides freely in the slot in the lever 35, and the right hand switch remains open. However, the pin 36 engages the outer end of the slot in the lever 34, as shown in Figure 6, and the left hand switch is closed.

In each case the lips 43 ofthe levers 42 and the pins 48 of the links 47 act as stops to limit the motion of the parts in one or the other of the extreme positions.

In neutral position, as shown in Figure 4, the weight of the mechanism tends to hold the lever 33 and the handle 31 in such neutral position, and the lever 33 must be positively operated by means of the handle 31 to close either the right or the left hand switch.

Obviously, each switch may be made either single, or multiple as shown in the drawings, or one switch may be made single and the other multiple, if occasion demands, lwithout departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, it is clear that the links and levers could be so arranged in the double switch that both switches would simultaneously open or close if such a construction were desired.

It will be seen that a novel form ofoperating mechanism'has been provided, which may be used with either one switch or a group of switch elements, as shown in the first form of this invention, or with a double switch or two groups of switch elements, as shown in the second form of the invention.

No stops are required for the operating handlein yeither form of this invention, as the mechanism is such that the parts are automatically locked or held in any one of their several positions.

It will be seen that a novel form of switchy and switch operating mechanism khas been provided by this invention, and that the mechanism is relatively simple and is free from delicate parts, and does not require the use of springs, catches, or other devices of this nature. 4

The switch is of eminently practical construction, and may be readily and cheaply produced. A large number of its parts may be ma de from standard stock material.

Although this invention has been described in considerable detail, it is to be understood that such description is intended as illustrative rather than limiting, as the invent1on may be variously embodied and is to be interpreted as claimed.

I claim:

1. An electric switch comprising a crosshead, a rock shaft, a pair of spaced levers ca rried by said rock shaft, links connecting said leversl and said crosshead, said levers and links having stops adapted to interengage sor4 when said links and levers are moved past deadV center, and contacts operated by said crosshead.

2. An electric switch comprising a casing, a rock shaft carried within said casing, an externally located means for rocking said rock shaft, levers carried by said rock shaft, links connected to said levers, a movable member having movable contacts, said movable member being connected to said links, and stationary contacts arranged in the path of movement of said movable contacts.

3. An electric switch comprising an operating shaft, a pair of rock shafts, means for rocking said rock shafts when said operating shaft is rocked, and contact mechanism operatively connected to said rock shafts by toggle oint mechanism.

4. An electric switch comprising an operating shaft, a pair of rock shafts, means for selectively rocking said rock shafts when said operating shaft is rocked, and contact mechanism operatively connected to said rock shafts by toggle joint mechanisms.

5. An electric switch comprising a pair of rock shafts, a single means for selectively operating said rock shafts, crossheads connected to said rock shafts by toggle joint mechanisms, and a plurality of contacts controlled by each crosshead.

6. An electric switch comprising a pair of parallel rock shafts, an operating shaft connected to said rock shaft-s, a crosshead associated with each rock shaft, contacts controlled by each crosshead, levers carried by each rock shaft, and links connecting said levers with the corresponding crosshead.

7. An electric switch comprising a pair of parallel rock shafts, an operating shaft connected by a lever and links to said rock shafts, a crosshead associated with each rock shaft. contacts controlled by each crosshead, levers carried by each rock shaft, and links connecting said levers with the corresponding crosshead.

8. An electric switch comprising a pair of parallel rock shafts, an operating shaft connected to said rock shafts, a crosshead associated with each rock shaft, contacts controlled by each crosshead, levers carried by each rock shaft` and links connecting said levers with the corresponding crosshead, the weight of said crossheads and the associated contacts holding said operating shaft in neutral position when said operating shaft has been moved to neutral position.

9. An electric switch comprising an operating shaft, a pair of rock' shafts, a lever carried by said operating shaft, levers carried by said rock shafts, links ioining said first mentioned lever with said second mentioned levers, said links and levers constituting lost motion mechanism, and contacts independently controlled by each rock shaft.

10. An electric switch comprising an operatin shaft, a pair of rock shafts, levers carried by said shafts, links connecting said levers, a crosshead associated with each rock shaft, toggle joint mechanism connecting each crosshead with the corresponding rock shaft, insulating rods depending from each crosshead, movable contacts carried by said insulating rods, and stationary contacts located in the path of movement of said movable contacts.

l1. An electric switch comprising an operating shaft, a pair of rock shafts, levers carried by said shafts, links connecting said levers, a crosshead associated with each rock shaft, a pair of pins loosely guiding each of said crossheads, toggle joint mechanism connecting each crosshead with the corresponding rock shaft, insulating rods depending from each crosshead, movable contacts carried by said insulating rods, and stationary contacts located in the path of movement of said movable contacts.

12. An electric switch comprising a casing, a partition dividing said casing into an upper and a lower co1npartment,hpins extending upwardly from said partition, a crosshead guided by said pins, insulating rods depending from said crosshead and extending through said partition, movable contacts carried by said rods and located in the lower of said compartments, stationary contacts located in the path of said movable cont-acts, and means for moving said crosshead.

13. An electric switch com rising a casing, an apertured partition divi ng said casing into an upper and a lower compartment, two pairs of pins extending upwardly from said partition, a crosshead loosely guided by each pair of pins, insulating rods depending from each crosshead and projecting through the apertures in said partition into the lower of said compartments, movable contacts carried by said insulating rods, stationary contacts located in the path of movement of said movable contacts, said contacts being located in the lower of said compartments, and a single means located externally of said casing for raising or lowering said crossheads.

14. An electric switch comprising a`casing, an apertured partition dividing said casing into an upper and a lower compartment, two pairs of pins extending upwardly from said partition, a crosshead loosely guided by each pair of pins, insulating rods depending from each crosshead and projecting through the apertures in said partition into the lower of said compartments, movable contacts carried by said insulatinglr rods, stationary contacts located in the path of movement vof said mov- -able contacts, said contacts being located in the lower of said compartments, and a single' means located externally of said casing for selectivel raising or lowering either of said crosshea s.

15. An electric switch comprising a casing,

a. partition dividing said casinginto an upl per and a lower compartment, a` pair of rock' shafts carried by said partition,-a crosshead associated with each rock shaft, toggle joint mechanism connecting each crosshead with the corresponding rock shaft, an operating shaft projecting through said casingand provided with an external operating handle, a

lever carried by said operating shaft, a lever carried by each rock shaft, slotted links joining said levers and providing lostl motion mechanism, each of said crossheads Jhaving insulating rods depending therefrom and extending into the lower of said compartments movable contacts carried by the lowerends o said rods, and stationary contacts located in the lower of said compartments and in the path of movement of said movable contacts, said stationary contacts being located above said movable contacts. 'i

In testimony whereof, the signature of the inventor is aixed hereto.

A.ALVVIN G. STEINMAYER. 

